College and Career Readiness Specialist

Job Description

IRC Background: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In the US, IRC provides assistance to refugees resettling here through 27 offices operating in 16 states. IRC resettles approximately 11,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist refugees from their arrival through citizenship. The IRC in Salt Lake City (IRC SLC) opened its office in 1994, and provides resettlement services to newly arrived refugees for up to 24-months as well as over twenty different programs to educate and empower refugees.

Job Overview: Under the supervision of the Refugee Youth and Education Coordinator, the College and Career Readiness Specialist (CCR Specialist) is responsible for implementing college and career readiness activities for refugee youth ages 15-24 such as individual one-on-one support for high school graduation and post-secondary education and career access. Additionally, the CCR Specialist coordinates workshops and events for case managed young adults centered on career growth and social-emotional skill development. This position is responsible for maintaining strong community partner relationships with various stakeholders at local high schools, community colleges, universities, and associated agencies. The CCR Specialist will create internal pathways for refugee students to access IRC SLC’s existing educational services including digital inclusion, career coaching, and financial literacy. This position will ensure quality practices are implemented, program outcomes are met, policies/procedures are followed, and reports are completed. The CCR Specialist will participate in the development of new program areas, as needed, to enhance student academic performance, curriculum development, caregiver engagement, and advocacy efforts.

Major Responsibilities:

•Coordinate educational programming (workshops, events, tutoring, etc.) centered on gaining knowledge and skills for graduating high school and transitioning to post-secondary opportunities that are in line with participants’ individual academic and career goals. •Supervise interns, volunteers, and CCR Support Staff including hiring, onboarding, and training. •Connect CCR youth participants to external opportunities in the community for academic, social, and career development. I.e., after school programs, summer school, and extracurricular activities. •Assist CCR participants in finding, applying, and gaining employment and/or internships. •Provide educational opportunities for caregivers of CCR participants in understanding the U.S. school system, specifically the requirements for high school graduation and applying for continued education and scholarships. •Support CCR participants in school registration before each school year. •Maintain and develop relationships with school district administrators, high school counselors, and other key community partners to ensure CCR youth participants receive comprehensive support and services. •Coordinate monthly Cultural Orientation programming for newly arrived refugee young adults. •Develop new summer program areas focused on addressing existing gaps in community services for refugee young adults. •Maintain accurate data tracking in Salesforce, ETO and other databases. •Work with supervisor to produce quarterly, bi-annual, and annual reports and contribute to program design.

Qualifications

Education/Work Experience:

•Undergraduate degree in related field; or two years of relevant experience working with youth and young adults from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual ability preferred in any refugee language. •Must be able to manage time effectively with multiple priorities, as well as be flexible with changing logistics. •Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships. •Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment. •Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively. •Strong computer skills particularly in MS Office applications; experience with databases. •Must have reliable transportation with valid driver’s license and insurance coverage.

Working Environment: •A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities. •May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

**COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.**